(M) Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 I have a 20lb propane tank (12" diameter) that i want to make a forge out of. I have a 3/4" tee burner. I have a sufficient amount of kaowool and refractories to make a half round design with a flat floor. i know only about 5-6" of material needs to be heated at any time. I was thinking about 8" long, leaving me with about 230" cubic. I will position the burner tangential to the wall so it induces a vortex. Is 8" too short? Too long? Will that cause too much back pressure? Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneCoeArtistBlacksmith Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 Check out the Build a Gas Forge attachment on the Forge Supplies page of my web-site. You can find the web-site and other contact info on my Profile. I prefer e-mails. Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(M) Posted March 20, 2018 Author Share Posted March 20, 2018 Thanks Wayne, i have looked at that, and my design is slightly different than the one you describe (but i have taken quite a bit from what you say) , i guess what i'm asking is "whats the point of having a 12" forge if a 8" forge will do the job just fine with less fuel needed?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneCoeArtistBlacksmith Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 The main reason is that the 20# Propane tanks and Freon bottles are readily available and their design (the curved ends) provide for protection to the ends of the blanket and casting. Let me know if I can help you. Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 Non-refillableFreon and helium cylinders continue to be available, but I don't know how available outdated free propane cylinders are these days. Back when I was writing my book there were loads of them around because most old cylinders were being phased out by a change in safety requirements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(M) Posted March 20, 2018 Author Share Posted March 20, 2018 I have a welder and i can use it to weld the round section back on, would that provide all the same benefits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 Actually, the better move is to mount one end back on with hinges and a latch; this allows you to place the occasional bulky shape in the forge, and then easily remove it without damage to the forge interior; it also porvidesgenerous access to the forge for repairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(M) Posted March 22, 2018 Author Share Posted March 22, 2018 Ok thanks! There shouldnt be any problems with the shorter length right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 Shorter generally works out better than longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(M) Posted March 22, 2018 Author Share Posted March 22, 2018 Could i go as short as 6"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 Size depends on what YOU are going to use it for. If you ask us what YOU will be forging we may reply: "tens and twenties"... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(M) Posted March 22, 2018 Author Share Posted March 22, 2018 But would a forge that small still function? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 Smallest forge I've see was under 1" long for heating the ends of very small items; nails, for heading. so the answer to that question is: Yes, No, Maybe---depending on how YOU plan to use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(M) Posted March 22, 2018 Author Share Posted March 22, 2018 I know that i want to use it for making knives, machetes, decorative hooks, decorative mini-leaves, hardy tools, and hammers. Probably damascus at some point. I guess the main thing i was asking is would a forge that size and shape with ~150 cubic inch volume work with a 3/4" burner? Or do i need a smaller burner or bigger forge? A forge like that can heat up basically whatever fits inside(within reason) right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneCoeArtistBlacksmith Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 Try it and let us know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted March 24, 2018 Share Posted March 24, 2018 It would work a whole lot better with a 1/2" burner, but a 3/4" burner can be turned down low enough to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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